JP van der Merwe and Ryan Curling involved in serious accident

mr hawaii Wrote:

---

> craig you worked in the uk - do the jockeys get
> special transport to meetings paid for by the
> clubs? Also we know this transport problem has
> been on going for years - surely the JASA should
> have protested and enforced change?


In the summer with the flat racing on you will notice many helicopters parked in the middle of the course. These are mostly to fly the jocks around the country from one meeting to another.

JACK MILNER: BOTH Ryan Curling and Juan Paul van der Merwe are on the mend in a Klerksdorp clinic following their motor car accident on Monday night. The two jockeys were coming back from riding at Flamingo Park in Kimberley when the accident occurred.



While both are uncertain about what actually happened, according to Tex Lerena, chairman of the SA Jockeys Association, a pothole seems to have been the cause. “They can’t remember whether they hit the pothole or swerved to avoid it and then hit the truck.”

Curling underwent a two-hour operation on his eyes as he suffered a lot of laceration to the face.

“The specialist is happy with the way everything went and hopefully in the next few days he will be moved out of ICU and into high care,” said Lerena.

“JP is suffering from headaches, which is a result of the concussion, but he has been walking around. He is basically in the clinic for observation and, if all goes well, he could be out of there in the next few days.”

Lerena added that Van der Merwe is expected to be out of action between one and two months while Curling will be off for at least two months.

Ray Curling

The Curling family would like to thank everyone for their Prayers and good wishes for Ryan's speedy recovery. Ryan is doing well and is able to see, speak and is now even taking short walks. Once again thank you all! Thank GOD for his MERCY and BLESSINGS.

AMEN !!!

Thats the best news for today,It will certainley give a lot of the ABC a lift:)-D

That's very good news ... great to hear.

Good news all the best, our prayers remain with family and friends and for the lads to have full recovery ASAP

Jockeys making good progress after car crash
 
BY MICHAEL CLOWER 9:09AM 12 MAR 2012
 
South Africa: Jockeys Ryan Curling and Juan Paul van der Merwe are both making good progress after being injured in a car crash on their way back to Johannesburg after riding at Flamingo Park last Monday.

The pair are in a clinic in Klerksdorp, 100 miles from Johannesburg. Curling, 27, who was driving, was the more seriously injured and has had an operation on his eyes. Last season's champion apprentice Van der Merwe, 21, suffered cuts to his head and serious concussion.

Jockeys Association chairman Tex Lerena said: "JP will be off for six weeks and Ryan will be out of action for at least three months but both are very lucky to come out of this alive."

Thanks Scotia and Tex, the update very much appreciated. (tu)